Manchester Super Giants have suffered a major setback during the ‘The Hundred 2026’ tournament. Team captain Aiden Markram has been ruled out of the remaining matches of this season. He has decided to withdraw from the tournament due to personal reasons. Experienced New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been selected in his place. Meanwhile, the franchise has appointed former England captain Jos Buttler as the captain of the team.
What did the franchise say?
The franchise said in a statement released on social media on Wednesday, “Manchester Super Giants can confirm that men’s team captain Aiden Markram has returned to South Africa for personal reasons. On behalf of the club, we wish him well in his future endeavours and thank him for his contribution to the team this season.” Jos Buttler will take over as captain from the match against Welsh Fire at Emirates Old Trafford on August 5. In this match, Buttler will have the opportunity to create history.
Buttler has captained Manchester United before.
Buttler has previously captained Manchester United in the first three seasons of The Hundred. However, this will be his first time leading a team since stepping down as England’s limited-overs captain after the 2025 Champions Trophy. Markram’s departure means the Super Giants will have to make changes to their playing XI for the first time this season, having previously fielded the same team in all five matches. Manchester United are currently sixth in the table with two wins and three losses.
Aiden Markram won two matches this season
Aiden Markram is part of the Super Giants franchise in three tournaments – IPL, SA20 and The Hundred. He has played five matches this season, scoring 117 runs. In his last match, he scored a brilliant half-century against MI London at The Oval. After the auction in March, he was selected as the captain of the Manchester men’s team for ‘The Hundred’. His team started the season with two wins, but have since lost three matches in a row.
New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been named in Markram’s place in the team. Bracewell’s versatility can benefit the team in both the batting and bowling departments.